Park Hours: Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gates open to parking at 6 a.m. Access to the lake begins at 7 a.m. Do not line up on Santiago Canyon Road prior. It is unsafe, and you will be subject to all applicable traffic laws.

Please do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 7 a.m. Anyone stopped or parked along Santiago Canyon Road prior to the opening will be subject to citation. Thank you for your cooperation with regards to the safety of everyone on the road. Please plan your drive accordingly.

In March 2016, Irvine Lake was closed due to a conflict between Orange County and Serrano Water District regarding recreation rights. The area was once a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation, but has since become a fenced off and overgrown haven for water birds. Amenities at Irvine Lake included a kids fishing lagoon, archery, boat rentals, volleyball, camping, and more.

Recently, Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner took control of negotiations to reach a deal to restore fishing and other recreational rights stating that, “Political infighting has stalled the usage of this lake, but thanks to the Irvine Company’s generous move, the County is finally in a position with Irvine Lake, Serrano Water District, and Irvine Ranch to bring back fishing for public enjoyment.”

The generous move Wagner was referring to was the Irvine Company’s donation of 29 lake-front acres of land to Orange County on June 11, 2019. Thanks to the Irvine Company, the lake could be open for fishing as early as the middle of July. All parties worked together to develop a plan for a one-year shoreline fishing agreement. Additionally, a board of supervisors vote will determine whether or not the owner of the neighboring RV Storage lot and special events venue, Gary James, will be approved to manage fishing operations and a bait shop for the duration of the one-year agreement.

The current agreement only allows fishing from the shore. Negotiations for additional recreational activities, including boating, will take place at a later date with the hopes of eventually opening the area to camping and hiking. Because Irvine Lake stores potable water used to supply the cities of Villa Park and Orange, bodily contact is not allowed.

Before gates open for the summer, the county will need to do a general sprucing-up of the facility. A few items on the agenda include clearing overgrown weeds, making repairs to cracked asphalt and damaged roads, and installing lighting, fences, and signage.

For now, the one-year plan for Irvine Lake includes a $4500 monthly payment by the County to Serrano Water District for fishing rights. Additional discussions will determine how to split up parking and other fees, and whether or not the RV storage will remain open.

Hope for a long-term agreement to keep the lake open has been restored and local fisherman are looking forward to frequenting the shores of this favorite fishing spot.